Writing Effective Prompts
Master the art of writing effective research prompts in Raycaster AI Workspace
The Art of Prompt Writing
Writing effective prompts is crucial for getting high-quality, relevant research results from Raycaster’s AI. A well-crafted prompt acts as a clear set of instructions that guides the AI to find and analyze exactly the information you need.
Prompt Structure Basics
An effective research prompt typically includes these elements:
Context
Provide relevant background information about what you’re researching
- Reference the subject (company, person, etc.)
- Include what you already know about the subject
- Example: “For , a biotech company focused on gene therapy…”
Specific Request
Clearly state what information you’re looking for
- Be explicit about the data points needed
- Use direct questions or imperatives
- Example: “Identify their main therapeutic areas and most advanced pipeline candidates.”
Output Format
Indicate how you want the information presented
- Specify structure (paragraphs, bullet points, etc.)
- Note any categorization or organization preferences
- Example: “Organize findings by therapeutic area, with bullet points for each pipeline candidate.”
Constraints and Scope
Set boundaries for the research
- Specify time frame (recent developments, historical data, etc.)
- Indicate information priority
- Example: “Focus on developments from the past 2 years, prioritizing clinical-stage programs.”
Example Well-Structured Prompt
Common Prompt Patterns
These templates can be adapted for different research needs:
1. Comparative Analysis
2. Detailed Profile
3. Technology Assessment
4. Market Positioning
Writing Prompts for Different Column Types
Adapt your prompt style to match the column type for optimal results:
TEXT Column Prompts
For text columns, be specific about the format and depth:
Short Text Example
Long Text Example
NUMBER Column Prompts
For number columns, specify exactly what figure you need and its format:
BOOLEAN Column Prompts
For boolean columns, frame a clear yes/no question:
SINGLE_SELECT Column Prompts
For single-select columns, emphasize the need to choose exactly one option:
MULTI_SELECT Column Prompts
For multi-select columns, clarify that multiple selections are possible:
Using Variables Effectively
Variables make your prompts dynamic by referencing data from other columns:
Insert Variables
Use curly braces to include variables:
Combine Multiple Variables
Reference several data points for comprehensive research:
Handle Missing Values
Account for potentially missing data with conditional instructions:
Commonly Used Variables
In Company Sheets
{company_name}
- Company’s official name{company_url}
- Company’s website URL{industry}
- Company’s industry classification{founding_year}
- Year the company was founded{headquarters}
- Company headquarters location
In People Sheets
{person_name}
- Individual’s full name{linkedin_url}
- LinkedIn profile URL{title}
- Current job title{company}
- Current company affiliation{education}
- Educational background
Special Variables
{search_keywords}
- Keywords from your organization settings{organization_name}
- Your organization’s name{current_date}
- Today’s date
Prompt Optimization Techniques
Be Specific, Not Vague
❌ Vague
”Tell me about ‘s products.”
✓ Specific
”Identify ‘s three most advanced product candidates, including their development stage, target indication, and mechanism of action.”
Use Structured Requests
❌ Unstructured
”Research ‘s technology and markets and partnerships and future plans.”
✓ Structured
“Research and provide:
1. Core technology platforms
2. Target market segments
3. Key strategic partnerships
4. Announced future development plans”
Clarify Output Format
❌ Ambiguous Format
”Analyze ‘s competitive position.”
✓ Clear Format
”Analyze ‘s competitive position using a SWOT format (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), with 2-3 bullet points for each category.”
Troubleshooting Prompts
If you’re not getting the results you expect, try these adjustments:
Add More Specificity
Include additional details or parameters to focus the research
Break Down Complex Requests
Split one complex prompt into multiple simpler ones
Adjust Scope
Narrow or broaden the focus area based on available information
Check Variables
Ensure all variables in your prompt have corresponding data
Enable Web Search
For recent or specialized information, make sure web search is enabled
Prompt Debugging Examples
Original Prompt (Too Broad):
“Research ‘s technology platform.”
Improved Prompt:
“Research ‘s gene editing technology platform, specifically focusing on their CRISPR-based approaches. Analyze: (1) their specific technical innovations, (2) key differentiators from other CRISPR companies, (3) intellectual property position, and (4) most advanced applications currently in development.”
Original Prompt (Ambiguous):
“Is successful?”
Improved Prompt:
“Evaluate ‘s market success based on objective metrics: (1) funding raised to date, (2) progress of lead programs through clinical development, (3) significant partnerships or collaborations, and (4) comparative position against direct competitors. Provide a fact-based assessment with supporting evidence for each metric.”
Remember that prompt writing is an iterative process. Test different approaches and refine your prompts based on the results you receive. For specific research tools and column types, see Research Types.